Vata is the principle of air and ether. It is the strongest dosha of all three biological energies. It provides space for all other functions of life and is behind all movements in the human body.
Vata manifests itself through the psychosomatic functions, blood circulation, lymphatic system, nervous system and respiratory tract. The main areas of Vata dosha are the large intestine, pelvic and abdominal cavities, thighs, bones, head, ears and all other bodily openings along with the tactile and auditory senses. When this dosha is disturbed, one loses the feeling of enthusiasm, freshness, happiness, joy and creative energetic power. Then the feelings of anxiety, fear, nervousness, indecision, insecurity, sadness and depression increase. There is a greater perception of pain, stiffness, cracking in the joints, cramps or general tremors. If Vata deviates from its original condition, it leads to feelings of loneliness, shyness, insecurity and avoidance of social contact.
Psychosomatic Characteristics of the VATA Type
People with predominant Vata principle are usually slender, low or tall sinewy figures. They suffer from cold, have underdeveloped muscles, flat chest, clearly visible veins, dry, cold and sensitive skin and insufficiently perfused limbs. Small eyes, dry hair with split ends and a tendency to dandruff are other characteristics. They are active, energetic, alert, impulsive and full of life. They like exercise and are constantly looking for an activity. They enjoy traveling and every change, speak quickly and use hand gestures. They easily understand new ideas and are creative and receptive persons with good intuition. Tolerance, courage and perseverance are not their strengths. They are prone to indecision, nervousness, anxiety and fear as well as lability and mental disorders. They lack confidence, and therefore often do not have a high opinion of themselves. They show weaker will and short-term memory. They can awaken in themselves a great enthusiasm, which, however, soon declines. They are able to develop a great deal of work, but all at the expense of excessive strain and insomnia due to overwork. They have difficulty falling asleep and have a light, intermittent sleep. They often suffer from allergies, which are mostly of nervous origin. Typical symptoms are constipation and flatulence, mental exhaustion, fatigue, insomnia, fear and anxiety, dry skin, impaired blood circulation, headache, arthritis and rheumatism.
Typological Manifestations of VATA
Vata people are good teachers, programmers and media workers. They have a natural ability to quickly organize and clearly process data. They like to do things as quickly as possible and often do several activities at the same time. They are often scholars and artists who are gifted with certain psychic abilities. They live in their "own world". Such people need to be treated like a flower - gently and with sensitive care.
Restoring Balance of VATA Dosha
Vata types need good background, peaceful environment and feeling of security. They should avoid mental strain, working late at night, cold and freeze, raw foods and cold drinks. It is advisable to reduce working on the computer, watching TV, and overwork. Suitable sports are yoga, tai chi, fitness gymnastics, light running, cycling and hiking. To restore their balance, Vata persons should treat themselves with enough sun, warmth, quietude, plenty of rest, massage, regular relaxation and aromatherapy and warm, rich, slightly spicy and oily diet.
Suitable Diet for VATA
The most suitable taste for people of the Vata type is sweet, then salty and sour. Too hot and bitter tastes are not recommended. It is important to eat at regular intervals, especially cooked and hot food, preferably in a quiet and nice environment. The most optimal are cooked cereals with the addition of a little oil: rice, quinoa, wheat, oats. Vegetables, cooked, baked or grilled with oil, is another good choice: carrots, beets, pumpkins, zucchini, cucumbers, onions, asparagus, artichokes, sweet potatoes, beans. Suitable are also almonds, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts and coconuts, sesame and sunflower seeds. The fruit purifies vital energy, strengthens the nervous system and gives the body softness, harmony and the necessary amount of fluids: orange, banana, grape, grapefruit, pear, apple, peach, apricot, mango, pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, dates, figs. Of the legumes, only green pods, lentils and tofu are suitable. Dairy products are good because they support the element of the earth: butter, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream, cheese. Eggs can be a suitable supplement. It is good to sweeten with cane sugar, maple syrup or honey. One of the best and most effective substances to reduce the accumulated Vata dosha is sesame oil. Alternatively, it can be almond, sunflower or olive. Moderate use of the selected spices is beneficial: ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, basil, cloves, lemon grass, coriander, turmeric, mint, oregano, fennel, cumin and pepper. The most suitable drinks are mineral water, herbal teas and fruit juices.
